With the trade to acquire receiver DeAndre Hopkins, most mock drafts project that the Arizona Cardinals will use the eighth overall pick in the first round to address the offensive line. The latest mock draft from USA TODAY’s Nate Davis continues this trend.
In his new mock draft, he has the Cardinals selecting Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs, the second tackle taken overall.
One of the combine’s stars – Wirfs’ broad (10-1) and vertical jumps (36½ inches) are all-time event standards for offensive linemen – this exceptional athlete would plug in nicely to an Air Raid offense designed for a quick pace. And though Wirfs clearly has the goods to play tackle, Arizona could start him inside after re-signing OTs D.J. Humphries and Marcus Gilbert.
Wirfs’ athleticism will be incredibly intriguing for the Cardinals. He also has positional flexibility. He has played right and left tackle. Some believe he will be a great guard, although he hasn’t had more than a few practice snaps at guard.
The way the Cardinals’ roster is constructed, they have both Marcus Gilbert and Justin Murray slated to battle for the starting right tackle job. However, Murray is making only $750,000 in 2020 and Gilbert’s one-year deal is worth just over $1 million, although incentives can take that total to as much as $3.75 million.
They have not invested much in the position, although they are comfortable with both players. Wirfs would not play guard in 2020. They are much more set at guard than at right tackle.
Wirfs should be able to start as a rookie and has the potential to play left tackle if Humphries gets hurt or is he leaves after his new three-year contract expires.
The only tackle not on the board for the Cardinals is Mekhi Becton, the giant tackle out of Louisville who goes fourth overall to the New York Giants.
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Ep. 262
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Ep. 261
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